Organic farmers and agriculture experts have called for wider adoption of organic backyard gardening as a practical solution to improve food security, public health, and household incomes in Nigeria.
The call was made during a Sustainable Organic Backyard Garden Workshop and Sustainable Development Project Presentation held at the Institute of African Studies, University of Ibadan.
The programme was supported by the Global Environment Facility Small Grants Programme (GEF-SGP) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
Grassroots Farming
Founder of Ope Farms, Mrs Olusola Sowemimo, said organic farming promotes healthier food production, environmental sustainability, and better livelihoods.
She urged governments at all levels to support grassroots farmers through the provision of seeds, farm tools, training, and enabling policies.
Traditional Medicine
Associate Professor of Traditional Medicine, Prof. Obafemi Jegede, called for greater government recognition of traditional medicine, describing it as an underutilised resource with significant healthcare and economic benefits.
He stressed the need for policies that integrate traditional medicine into Nigeria’s healthcare system.
Indigenous Knowledge
Representing the National Coordinator of GEF-SGP, Dr. Grace Oluwatoye encouraged Nigerians to embrace agriculture and make productive use of available land.
She highlighted the importance of preserving indigenous knowledge and developing value chains around local products to drive sustainable development.
Healthy Living
Organic farmer, Princess Funke Arokodare, described backyard gardening as a pathway to healthier living and wealth creation.
She encouraged families to grow vegetables and medicinal plants at home to improve nutrition and reduce food costs.
Over 1,500 Gardeners Trained
Convener of the project and founder of the Waste Museum, Ibadan, Mrs Jumoke Olowookere, disclosed that more than 1,500 backyard gardeners have been trained under the initiative.
She said participants received seeds, seedlings, simple farm tools, and practical training, with many already earning income from their gardens.
According to Olowookere, a cooperative society has been established to sustain training and support for beneficiaries beyond the project’s completion.
